Soldiers going off to war or returning home should not have to pay a baggage fee of any kind, ever.
Now it seems that since our last post, based on an August Washington Post article, American Airlines is changing their tune. Pat, one of our readers and a military mom AND an American Airlines agent advised us that this is no longer the case. According to the Conners Report on the KMOV TV Channel 4 web log out of St Louis, MO:
“…So, now, there is some good news … at least from American Airlines. In the face of all the publicity and outcry … American Airlines is doing what should have been done in the beginning. American Airlines will no longer charge our troops for a third bag. “
Thank you Pat, thank you KMOV TV 4, and thank you to all the people who raised the dickens about this absurd practice and got it changed.
I have seen so many different videos and poems and emails with small sections comparing our daily routine with that of our military men and women serving in harms way. This video has brought them all together in a very nice way.
All too often we take the smallest things for granted. They are just too insignificant. To the soldier, the small, insignificant things are the ones that if forgotten can cost you your life.
Amber, better known as "bubblegumlove054" has done a fantastic job of creating this video showing us just how much we take for granted. Please Support Our Troops!
Just incase you have a bit of trouble reading it, the subtitles in the video say as follows:
You stay up for 16 hours
He stays up for days on end.
You take a warm shower to help you wake up.
He goes days or weeks without running water.
You complain of a "headache", and call in sick.
He gets shot at as others are hit, and keeps moving forward.
You protest the war
He fights for your right to do so.
You make sure you’re cell phone is in your pocket.
He clutches the cross hanging on his chain next to his dog tags.
You talk trash about your "buddies" that aren’t with you.
He knows he may not see some of his buddies again.
You walk down the beach, staring at all the pretty girls.
He patrols the streets, searching for insurgents and terrorists.
You complain about how hot it is.
He wears his heavy gear, not daring to take off his helmet to wipe his brow.
You go out to lunch, and complain because the restaurant got your order wrong.
He doesn’t get to eat today.
Your maid makes your bed and washes your clothes.
He wears the same things for weeks.
You go to the mall and get your hair redone.
He doesn’t have time to brush his teeth today.
You’re angry because your class ran 5 minutes over.
He’s told he will be held over an extra 2 months.
You call your girlfriend and set a date for tonight.
He waits for the mail to see if there is a letter from home.
You hug and kiss your girlfriend, like you do everyday.
He holds his letter close and smells his love’s perfume.
You roll your eyes as a baby cries.
He gets a letter with pictures of his new child, and wonders if they’ll ever meet.
You criticize your government, and say that war never solves anything.
He sees the innocent tortured and killed by their own people and remembers why he is fighting.
You hear the jokes about the war, and make fun of men like him.
He hears the gunfire, bombs and screams of the wounded.
You see only what the media wants you to see.
He sees the broken bodies lying around him.
You are asked to go to the store by your parents. You don’t.
He does exactly what he is told even if it puts his life in danger.
You stay at home and watch TV.
He takes whatever time he is given to call, write home, sleep, and eat.
Since there are no credits, the song is: "Far Away" by Nickelback
"I am an American soldier. I am at war with terrorism. I shall stand my watch until the last terrorist has fallen. I am a Christian and I DO believe in God. God is with me always. He died for me and I am here, prepared to do the same for you. Never take this away from me. It is my strength. It is my reason for being and wanting to see you again
someday.
When you go to bed tonight, think of me, think of the President who did what he had to do, think of all our elected leaders who still try to do what they were elected to do, and ask God to lead us and guide us and be strong within us forever!"